Cosmetic Warming Device

ABSTRACT

A warming device for cosmetics, such as tubes of mascara. The device includes a housing having a bottom end, side walls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The open upper end includes a lid pivotally secured thereon by means of a hinge. The side walls include one or more heating elements therein, wherein the heating elements increase in temperature when electrical current is provided thereto. One or more tubes of mascara can be placed within the interior volume of the housing so that they can be heated by the heating elements in order to improve the consistency of the mascara. The device can be electrically connected to a power source, such as an electrical outlet, for providing electrical current to the heating elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/930,127 filed on Jan. 22, 2014, entitled “Mascara Warmer.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a warming device for cosmetics. More specifically, the present invention provides a housing having an interior volume in which cosmetics, such as tubes of mascara, can be positioned. The housing includes a heating element therein that is adapted to warm the interior volume, and thus the cosmetic therein. In this way, the mascara or other cosmetic product can be warmed before use, to improve the consistency of the mascara and to facilitate application thereof.

Many people, particularly women, wear make-up on a daily basis and own a variety of cosmetics. One type of make-up commonly used is mascara, which is used to darken or thicken the eye lashes. Mascara can be provided in various forms, and is often a liquid. Mascara is typically packaged in a tube having an interior volume in which the liquid mascara is stored, and further having a brush or wand attached to a lid that engages with the tube. When the lid is secured to the tube, the brush or wand is disposed within the interior volume so that it can be coated with the liquid mascara.

As mascara is used, the consistency of the mascara may change due to repeated use, exposure to oxygen, and contamination. Over time, mascara may become dry and form clumps. As a result, users may have difficulty applying mascara evenly to his or her eye lashes. Further, the user may be unable to apply mascara in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Thus, many people discard mascara having a poor consistency and choose to purchase a new tube of mascara. This is wasteful and inefficient, in that the user is throwing away unused mascara.

The present invention provides a warming device for cosmetics. The device includes a housing having a bottom end, side walls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume in which tubes of mascara or other cosmetics can be positioned. A lid is pivotally secured to the open upper end by means of a hinge thereon. The housing includes one or more heating elements disposed within the side walls of the housing that are heated when electrical current flows therethrough. As a result, the interior volume of the housing increases in temperature, warming the cosmetic disposed therein. The device can be connected to an AC or DC power source, such as a conventional power outlet or a vehicle cigarette lighter.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to heating devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to heating devices for mascara and other cosmetics. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,653 to Boudreaux discloses a container having a heating element therein for warming a cosmetic product. The container includes a heating element disposed within the walls of the container that is electrically connected to a power source that heats a fluid disposed within the walls of the container. The heated fluid is able to warm a cosmetic placed within the interior volume of the container. Thus, Boudreaux discloses a cosmetic warming device, but fails to disclose a cosmetic warming device adapted to warm several cosmetic products simultaneously by means of electric heating elements disposed within the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,460 to Fraker discloses a warming device for liquids. The device includes a receptacle having an open upper end that is adapted to receive liquid therein. The device can be electrically connected to a conventional power outlet in order to provide electricity to a heating element therein. The device can be suspended on a wall by inserting the power adapter into a power outlet. Thus, Fraker fails to disclose a cosmetic warming device having an interior volume in which a tube of mascara or similar product can be positioned, and instead discloses a receptacle in which a liquid can be positioned for heating.

U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2007/114551 to Kawaguchi et al. discloses an LED illumination device comprising a white LED for use as a light source. A white LED is located adjacent to an optical lens, and the device is adapted to produce even white light. Thus, Kawaguchi et al. does not relate to a cosmetic warming device, and discloses only an LED light source.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,609 to Bouix et al. discloses a cosmetic applicator that includes a heating element. The device comprises an applicator device that is separable from a reservoir in which a product is stored. The applicator includes an electronic heating element adapted to be connected to a power source. The applicator serves to heat the product as it is applied by the user. Thus, Bouix et al. discloses a heating applicator, and does not disclose a housing in which cosmetics can be positioned for heating. Bouix et al. requires a user to use a specific applicator device in order to heat a cosmetic, and does not allow a user to simultaneously heat several cosmetic products.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,344 to Clay discloses a cosmetic container and heating applicator. A rod and brush assembly is provided and includes a heating strip therein. A cosmetic substance within the cosmetic container can be heated by means of the applicator in order to dissolve any hardened or clumped cosmetic material therein. The heating strip also serves to warm the cosmetic when the user is applying the cosmetic using the brush. Thus, similar to Bouix et al., Clay discloses an applicator having an integrated heating element in order to warm a cosmetic. Clay does not disclose a container adapted to warm a cosmetic placed therein.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. The devices in the prior art relate to cosmetic warming devices, but do not allow a user to place multiple tubes of mascara or other cosmetics therein. Several devices are related to cosmetic applicators having integrated heating elements. Such devices cannot be used to simultaneously heat various cosmetics, and require a user to use a specific applicator in order to use the heated cosmetic product. The present invention allows users to use any conventional cosmetic product and dispose the product within the housing for heating.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing cosmetic warming devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cosmetic warming devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new cosmetic warming device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when heating a cosmetic product in order to improve the consistency thereof.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cosmetic warming device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic warming device adapted to warm one or more tubes of a cosmetic product, such as mascara.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic warming device comprising a housing having an electrical heating element therein.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic warming device having an LED light panel on an exterior thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic warming device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device having an LED light panel thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cosmetic warming device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for warming a cosmetic product to improve the consistency of the product. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device of the present invention. The cosmetic warming device 11 comprises a housing 12 having a bottom end 13, side walls, and an upper end 14, defining an interior volume. The upper end 14 includes an opening 15 thereon providing access to the interior volume. The interior volume is sized so as to receive one or more cosmetic products 18 therein. Preferably, the housing 12 is substantially rectangular in shape. The upper end 14 of the housing includes a lid 16 pivotally secured thereto by means of one or more hinges 17. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lid 16 includes an interior volume 27 in which the upper end of a cosmetic product 18 can be received. The interior volume 27 is defined by a lip that extends downward from the periphery of the upper surface of the lid 16. The lid 16 can be disposed in an open or closed configuration, so as to provide access to the interior volume of the housing 12, or to enclose the interior volume of the housing 12. The lid 16 may include a lock or latch thereon for securing the lid 16 in a closed configuration.

One or more tubes of a cosmetic product 18, such as mascara, can be disposed within the interior volume of the container 12 in an upright, vertical orientation, and can be arranged side-by-side therein, in a linear configuration. The housing 12 is sized such that the upper end of the cosmetic product 18 slightly extends above the upper end 14 of the housing 12. In this way, the exposed portion of the cosmetic product 18 can be easily grasped by a user, so that the user can remove the cosmetic product 18 once warmed. Accordingly, the lid 16 includes an interior volume 27 adapted to receive the upper end of the cosmetic product 18, so that the lid 16 can enclose the cosmetic product 18 within the housing 12.

A heating element is disposed within the side walls of the container. The heating element is adapted to increase in temperature when electrical current is provided thereto. The heating element preferably includes a metal wire or coil electrically connected to a power source. Preferably, the power source is a low voltage power source, such as a power outlet. The cosmetic warming device 11 can be removably electrically connected to a power source, by means of an elongated electrical cable disposed on the housing. The elongated electrical cable is electrically connected to the heating element within the housing and further includes a power adapter 19 adapted to be connected to the power source.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device of the present invention. In operation, a cosmetic product 18 is positioned within the housing such that its lower end 29 touches the bottom of the interior of the housing, and so that the upper end 30 extends above the upper end 14 of the housing. In this way, the cosmetic product 18 can be easily retrieved from the housing once it has been heated or warmed to the desired extent. The user can easily grab the portion of the cosmetic product 18 that extends above the upper end 14 of the housing.

The housing of the present invention further includes an outer wall 20, an interior wall, and a heating element 21. The outer wall 20 is preferably composed of a plastic material, or other suitable durable material. The heating element 21 is preferably enclosed within the interior wall of opposing side walls of the housing. The interior wall prevents the heating element 21 from coming into direct contact with the cosmetic product 18. The heat produced by the heating element 21 increases the temperature of the interior volume 22 of the housing in order to warm the cosmetic product 18 therein.

Preferably, the heating element 21 is disposed only in a lower portion of the housing within the interior wall thereof. Thus, the heating element 21 does not extend to the upper end 14 of the housing. This prevents the user from being exposed to the heating element 21 at the upper end of the housing, in order to prevent the user from being burned when retrieving the cosmetic product 18. Further, a cosmetic product 18, such as a tube of mascara, includes a container 28 in which liquid mascara 26 is stored, and a lid 25 removably secured thereto. Thus, the liquid mascara 26 is disposed only in the lower portion of the tube of mascara. Therefore, the heating element need only be positioned in the lower end of the housing in the area adjacent to where the liquid mascara is positioned within the tube of mascara.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a layer of insulating material 24 disposed between the outer wall 20 of the housing and the heating element 21. The insulating material 24 may be composed of foam, fiberglass, or the like. The insulating material 24 prevents the heat from the heating element 21 from being transferred to the outer wall 20, and thus the exterior of the cosmetic warming device 11. Accordingly, the exterior of the device will remain cool to the touch so that a user can pick up or touch the cosmetic warming device 11 without being burned.

Preferably, the heating element is adapted to produce a relatively low temperature. If the temperature is too high, the cosmetic may be damaged from the high temperature. Similarly, a high temperature may damage the tube or container in which the cosmetic is contained. Thus, the heating element is adapted to produce a low temperature so that a cosmetic product is slowly heated and can remain within the cosmetic warming device of the present invention for an extended period of time.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the cosmetic warming device of the present invention having an LED light panel 23 thereon. The LED light panel 23 allows the cosmetic warming device 11 to serve as a night-light while it is plugged into a power outlet. Thus, the LED light may also indicate whether the cosmetic warming device 11 is plugged in, and is being used to heat a cosmetic product held therein.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing 12 includes a window thereon. The window is transparent and allows a user to see into the interior of the housing. This allows a user to see if a cosmetic product is being held within the housing, without having to open the lid of the housing. The window is preferably constructed so as to minimize heat loss therethrough, and may include a single or double-walled construction.

The cosmetic warming device 11 can additionally include a secondary power adapter 31 that can be plugged into a DC power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter. In this way, the user may be able to warm mascara and other cosmetics while in a vehicle. Thus, the user may power the device using the power adapter 19 with a conventional wall outlet within a home, or can power the device while inside of a vehicle.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A cosmetic warming device, comprising: a housing having a bottom end, side walls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume in which one or more cosmetic products can be positioned; a lid pivotally secured to said upper end by means of a hinge; a heating element positioned within said housing and adapted to heat said interior volume of said housing; wherein said heating element is electrically powered. 2) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a power adapter that can be electrically connected to a conventional power outlet in order to provide electricity to said heating element. 3) The cosmetic warming device of claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises a secondary power adapter that can be electrically connected to a DC power source. 4) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said heating element comprises a metal wire. 5) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises an outer wall and an insulating layer disposed on an interior of said housing. 6) The cosmetic warming device of claim 5, wherein said insulating layer is disposed between said outer wall and said heating element. 7) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, further comprising an LED light panel disposed on an exterior surface of said housing. 8) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said heating element is disposed only in a lower portion of said housing. 9) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said heating element is positioned on opposing side walls of said housing. 10) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said lid includes an interior volume adapted to receive an upper portion of a cosmetic product. 11) The cosmetic warming device of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises an interior wall having said heating element imbedded therein. 